Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

Method

1. 1

   In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup of sugar and set them aside. Editor's Tip: This process is called maceration. Sugar makes the berries sweeter but also draws out their liquid. You will need that liquid later, so if you feel like you aren't getting enough, give it more time. You can also put sugared strawberries in the fridge overnight.

2. 2

   In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, orange juice and remaining sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream and set the bowl aside. Drain the strawberries, reserving the juice, then set the berries aside. Gently toss the cake cubes with the reserved juice. Editor's Tip: You'll want nice soft peaks in your whipped cream. If you get stiff peaks, you're too close to butter.

3. 3

   Place half the cake in a 4-quart trifle dish or serving bowl. Top with a third of the cream cheese mixture, half the strawberries and half the grated chocolate. Repeat the layers. Top with the remaining cream cheese mixture. Editor's Tip: The magic of a trifle bowl is you can see all the layers, and the pedestal makes for a dramatic entrance at any party. They aren't that expensive, and some even come with lids!

4. 4

   Garnish the trifle with chocolate curls and strawberries if desired. Cover and refrigerate it for at least four hours. Editor's Tip: To make the best chocolate curls, take a relatively warm but not melting chocolate bar and run a vegetable peeler down the thin side of the bar to make a curl. Chill the curls in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them.